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Show g6 Early Western Travels [ Vol. 26 vieve is situated about one mile from the Mississippi, upon a broad alluvial plain lying between the branches of a small stream called Gcbourie. Beyond the first bottom rises a second steppe, and behind this yet a third, attaining an elevation of more than a hundred feet from the water's edge. Upon this elevated site was erected, some twenty years since, a handsome structure of stone, commanding a noble prospect of the river, the broad American Bottom on the opposite side, and the bluffs beyond the Ka& kaskia. It was intended for a literary institution; but, owing to unfavourable reports with regard to the health of its situation, the design was abandoned, and the edifice was never completed. It is now in a state of " ruinous perfection," and enjoys the reputation, moreover, of being haunted. In very sooth, its aspect, viewed from the river at twilight, with its broken windows outlined against the western sky, is wild enough to warrant such an idea or any other. A courthouse and Catholic chapel constitute the public buildings. To the south of the village, and lying upon the river, is situated the common field, originally comprising [ 67] two thousand or pens; but it is now much less in extent, and is yearly diminishing from the action of the current upon the alluvial banks. These common fields were granted by the Spanish government, as well as by the French, to every village settled under their domination. A single enclosure at the expense of the villagers was erected and kept in repair, and the lot of every individual was separated from his neighbour's by a double furrow. Near this field the village was formerly located; but in the inundation of 1785, called by the old habilans " Uannee des grandes eaux" so much of the bank was At Valleys death the land passed to his sons, Francois and John, and Joseph Pratt, a transfer confirmed by Congress in 1827. The next year it was sold to C. C. Vall£, L. £. Linn, and Everett Pratt In 1830 it was sold in part and the remainder leased. In 1868 the estate passed from the hands of the Valles.- ED. |
